Song Writers Block

If you’ve ever submitted an article or short story for publication, you’ve probably received a rejection letter or two. Most are quite brief and often an obvious form letter. Here’s how to respond.

Dear ______, Thank you for your letter rejecting my submission. I have received rejections from an unusually large number of popular publications. With such a wide and promising spectrum of rejections, it’s impossible for me to consider them all. After careful deliberation, and because a number of publications have found me more unsuitable, I regret to inform you that I’m unable to accept your rejection. However, circumstances do change and I will keep your letter on file in case my requirements for rejection change.

If you’re new to Friday Flash Fiction, the editor in charge of word count is Sarah Josepha Hale Wisoff-Fields. If you’d like to participate in this exercise of madness, head over to her blog for step-by-step instructions. To view the ensemble of practicing fic-titioners in the writers in FFF Hollywood Squares Authors Block click here.

copyright – Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

It had been a long, frustrating day.

Marvin’s talent for creating timeless melodies and unforgettable lyrics had garnered dozens of awards and led to worldwide fame. The walls of his studio were covered with gold records and plaques commemorating his success writing soundtracks for movies and television shows.

Why was he struggling so with this song?

The melody came easy. It was clever, catchy, and simplistic in nature.

Yet for some reason, he just couldn’t find the right word to complete the opening line.

I’m going to copy and print that rejection of rejection letter. Might be one of your best brain storms next to your tag removal alarm system. The letter is a great way to handle rejection. You might try Mary had a little roast beef and spam with toasted bread and Jam. Of course, in the end it’s your decision. Back to scrubbing the house for incoming out of town guests, who, no doubt will come sporting white mime gloves.

Excellent rejection rejection letter… when I a ready to submit and receive my own share of rejection, I shall surely follow your lead.
As for the song…lemme see… Mary had a little horse, yes of course, yes of course…

Ah, thank you Russell, though of course I get as many rejections as the next writer – more rejections than acceptances, sadly, but such is the way of things.
And you’re right, you have to watch out for those Canadians – troublesome bunch 🙂

A great rejection letter — but I wonder if it would get past the gatekeeper?
A person just needs the right attitude. In the book, The Rejected Writers Book Club, the recipients of rejection letters threw a party for every one that arrived. (It was hilarious, by the way.)

Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
Another double story to cheer our day from that master of humor, Russell Gayer. If you like this short piece, just go to the top of the blog and click on BOOKS to see what else is waiting.

This Mary, is it the contrary one or the bloody one? I can’t keep up with them all but crocodile should cover both of them, Mary had a little crocodile, it’s teeth were in the sharp style, and everywhere Mary went, it caused carnage for mile after mile.

I suppose. When I was young, I was rejected by a good number of beautiful young women. Finally, Connie agreed to take me on as a project. That was 44 years ago and she continues to put up with me. I doubt any of those other women would have been that tolerant.

It’s the little things that’ll get you every time (haha). I enjoyed your story immensely but I especially got a chuckle from your rejection letter! Rejection hurts but it’s better to laugh than cry? =)

This is the blog of a woman who is seriously on the edge and I mean right ON the edge…no, not there… just a little bit further… further than that…no, further still…just a tiny bit more… just move slightly to the right a little…no, that’s too much…just move a tad to the left…that’s right, just there…now you’ve moved too far to the left… Damn, what part of the ‘on the edge’ do you not understand? Oh, and her matricidal boy genius, come devil spawn.